Planning a wedding is an enormous task, with a lot of details to consider and arrangements to make to ensure the perfect day. Equally there’s a lot of pressure to get it right. Amidst the excitement and anticipation, it’s easy for couples to overlook certain essential elements that can significantly impact the success and enjoyment of their special day.

 

To help ensure a seamless and memorable celebration, here are some often overlooked wedding essentials that you’ll want to make sure you don’t forget!

 

  1. Cutlery and Table Decorations

 

While couples may have a clear vision for their wedding decor, it’s important not to overlook the finer details, such as cutlery and table decorations. The arrangement of tables, choice of tablecloths, and selection of cutlery sets contribute to the overall look of your tables and of the reception. Taking the time to consider things like the cutlery arrangements and how the menu and place cards will be arranged and will ensure that every element of the wedding reflects the couple’s style and gives that extra attention to detail.

 

  1. Venue Accessibility

 

When selecting a wedding venue and sending out invitations, it’s crucial to consider accessibility for all of your guests. Factors such as step-free access, parking facilities, and proximity to any accommodation should be taken into account to ensure that all attendees can safely and comfortably navigate the venue. Be sure to consider accessibility for those with hidden disabilities too. . This may include providing quiet areas for guests who may need a break from noise and crowds, ensuring that restroom facilities are easily accessible and well-equipped, and offering alternative seating options for those with mobility or sensory issues. Additionally, couples can communicate with guests ahead of time to inquire about any specific accommodations they may require and work with the venue staff to implement necessary adjustments to ensure that all guests feel welcome and included on their special day.

 

 

  1. Transport

 

For weddings held in remote locations or attended by guests traveling from afar, organising transport is essential. While ensuring accessibility to the venue is crucial, providing convenient transportation options further enhances the guest experience and ensures that everyone arrives on time.

Consider arranging guest shuttles to transport attendees from designated pick-up points to the ceremony and reception venues. This not only ensures that guests arrive on time but also alleviates concerns about parking and navigating unfamiliar areas, especially for out-of-town guests.

If the wedding venue is located in a remote area with limited transportation options, providing clear instructions and recommendations for services, such as taxis or ride-sharing apps, can assist guests in arranging their own travel logistics.

 

In addition to guest transportation, couples should plan their own transport to and from the ceremony and reception venues.

 

  1. Alcohol Options:

 

To create a festive atmosphere at the reception, couples should carefully consider the availability and selection of alcohol options. Whether utilising the venue’s bar services or providing their own beverages, couples should communicate with their chosen venue and wedding suppliers to ensure that the alcohol offerings align with their preferences and budget.

 

Offering an open bar where guests can enjoy a selection of complimentary drinks is a generous gesture that is sure to be appreciated. This option allows guests to indulge in their favourite beverages without worrying about additional costs, contributing to a lively and festive ambiance throughout the reception.

 

For couples looking to add a touch of sophistication and variety to their drink options, setting up a cocktail station can be an excellent choice. Professional bartenders can craft signature cocktails or classic favourites to order, allowing guests to enjoy handcrafted cocktails or alcohol free versions tailored to their taste preferences.

 

Recognising that not all guests may wish to consume alcohol, offering a dry bar with a selection of non-alcoholic choices provides inclusive options for all attendees, a well-stocked dry bar ensures that every guest can find a drink that suits their taste.

 

Implementing a token system where guests receive a certain number of drink tokens that can be exchanged for drinks at the bar adds an element of fun and control to the drinking experience. This approach allows couples to manage their beverage budget effectively while still providing guests with the opportunity to enjoy a few drinks on the house. Whether opting for a free-flowing bar or a curated selection of beverages, thoughtful planning ensures that guests can raise a toast to the newlyweds and celebrate in style throughout the evening.

 

 

 

  1. Dietary Restrictions:

 

To accommodate guests with dietary restrictions or food allergies, couples should gather information about special dietary needs during the RSVP process. Communicating these requirements to the catering team ensures that all guests are provided with suitable meal options, preventing anyone from feeling excluded or underserved during the celebrations. Double-checking dietary preferences closer to the event date helps to mitigate any oversights and ensures a seamless and enjoyable dining experience for all attendees.

 

  1. Emergency Kit

 

While couples hope for a flawless wedding day, it’s best to prepare for unexpected emergencies. For outdoor weddings, having a contingency plan for any unsettled weather is essential to ensure there’s no disruptions to the days schedule.

 

A comprehensive wedding day emergency kit should include a range of items to address common mishaps and unexpected situations that could arise.

Consider including items such as adhesive bandages (plasters) for minor cuts and blisters, headache pills for alleviating discomfort, superglue for quick repairs to shoes or decorations, and extra lip gloss or lipstick for touch-ups throughout the day. Additionally, essentials like safety pins, stain remover wipes, breath mints, tissues, and a sewing kit can prove invaluable in resolving wardrobe malfunctions, spills, or other minor emergencies. For outdoor weddings or summer celebrations, items such as sunscreen, insect repellent, and cooling facial mist can help keep guests comfortable and protected from the elements. By assembling a well-stocked emergency kit, couples can approach their wedding day with confidence, knowing that they are prepared to handle any unforeseen circumstances that may arise with ease and grace.

 

 

 

By prioritising these often overlooked wedding essentials, couples can minimise stress, maximise enjoyment, and ensure that their special day unfolds seamlessly from start to finish..

There is always the time old question of whether you should allow children at your wedding or not. I’ve been to many weddings where children are causing chaos and guests are getting frustrated. But I’ve also been to weddings where a child can be the star of the show. If the bride and groom want children at their wedding then that’s their choice and not for guests to grumble about but what about only having selected children at your wedding? If there are children at the wedding I’ve listed a few things you may want to do to keep them entertained.

 

Child friendly things to do at weddings

  • Wedding crèche- there are companies that will come in and run a crèche session for you.
  • Get them involved- If they’re your children or close to you give them roles to do. Could they give out the order of service, give out confetti, give out gifts. This will make them feel important and hopefully keep them on their best behaviour.
  • Activity Packs- make or buy some activity packs for the children to do during the meal. Like the sort of thing you get in a restaurant. You can even make them wedding related.
  • Magician- Get a magician to look after the kids during the meal and then use him to do some early doors close up magic for evening guests
  • Sweet Cart- get the kids hyped up on sweets. Great idea. Said no one ever.
  • Bouncy Castle/ Outdoor Games- Something for the kids to do and use some of the energy that they’ve got from eating all of the sweets. Just make sure that these are safe and always supervised.
  • Snuggle Corner- bring some duvets and pillows and put them in a quiet corner somewhere in the venue so that when the children get tired in the evening they can fall asleep whilst the adults carry on the party.

 

  1. Your own children

Well as it’s your wedding day I imagine most people would want their own children at their wedding. But does this mean you then have to invite everyone else’s child to your wedding? No. Your children are your children and if you want them at your wedding they are more than welcome to be there. If they’re the only children you want there that’s fine. They’re your children. If you don’t want your own children there then that’s fine too. If you’re a Gavin and Stacey fan you’ll know that Nessa didn’t want her son at the wedding because she watched her own mother marry 9 times. It’s your wedding so it’s your choice. Don’t let anyone else tell you other wise.

 

  1. Close family members children

If you sister has a child and you want them at your wedding then obviously you can go ahead and do it but if you want the rule to be no children then that’s your rule don’t make exceptions or compromises no matter how close. If you don’t have children but just want to let close family members bring children again that’s fine. Your 2nd cousin twice removed that you’ve invited to the evening do cant moan that your niece that you see several times a week is there and their child that you’ve never met isn’t allowed. It’s your wedding, you (or your family) are paying and you want the people that you want there.

 

  1. No children

Having no children at your wedding is perfectly fine. If it upsets someone then they have long enough to sort out childcare or they can’t come. It’s your day and you’re paying. Don’t let people make you feel guilty about your choices.

 

  1. Babies

If one of your closest friends has got a 12 week old baby and really wants to come to your wedding but you’ve set a no children rule then you should consider why you’ve said no children. If you don’t want to hear crying all day then maybe they should try and get someone else to look after the baby, but if it’s just because you don’t want children running around causing mayhem then maybe a baby is no harm. Again as a couple it is your choice.

 

 

So hopefully this will help you if you’re worried about whether you should or shouldn’t have children at your wedding and if you are there’s some little tips to try and make the children enjoy it.

 

 

 

I thought I best introduce who we are and how we came to owning Sherwood Glade. So we are Joanne and Mark Harrison and we love weddings and love working together and Sherwood Glade is another part of what we like to call the “Harrison Empire”. We were on the hunt for a wedding venue to buy and came across this fab tipi for sale and as we love the relaxed nature of a tipi wedding it made everything slot in to place.

 

Joanne grew up in the East Midlands and has ran her established wedding business since 2016. Tangled Events are a styling, planning and wedding consultancy company working with couples, suppliers and venues nationwide. She absolutely loves working with clients from initial contact right through to bringing the day to life. She loves a good list, spreadsheet or document and thinks organisation is the key to life. When she’s not working a wedding in the UK she is also a registered travel agent specialising in weddings and honeymoons abroad so its safe to say she lives, eats and breathes all things weddings. In her spare time Joanne loves a good reality series to binge watch and is also a huge Disney and Musicals fan so she can often be found singing and dancing away whilst working.

 

 

 

Joanne is on hand to any couple wishing to get married with us at Sherwood Glade and will help get your ideas rolling and plans in to place.

 

The other part of the operation is Mark and he has spent over 25 years owning, managing and running bars, clubs and restaurants. He deals with the more manual side of keeping the business running including overseeing the tipi builds and ensuring the land is kept up to our high standards. He will normally be found on wedding days ensuring the bar and drinks run smoothly and also ensuring vendors and suppliers have everything you need.

 

So there is a little introduction to us and you can feel confident that we have the knowledge and expertise to make your wedding spectacular.

 

If you want to check out more of what we have done previously make sure you check out

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